Q: I would like to help my son get out of a job he dislikes
and start his own small business. I can afford to do it, but my concern is that
he has never owned a business before. How can I know if he would make a good
entrepreneur? Bill Stanley, New Jersey

Nothing beats experience, but even so, I think there are
traits that most successful small businesspeople share. Below is a quiz you
can take to see if you have the right stuff. It might be a good idea to print
it out and have your son take it.

For anyone who wants to take this quiz, remember to be
perfectly honest. It does you no good to pretend to answer the questions correctly,
or in a manner you think is right.

1. Are you a self-starter?

a) Yes, I like to do things on my own.
b) If someone helps me get started, I will definitely follow through.
c) Most of the time, I would rather follow than lead.

2. How do you feel about taking risks?

a) I really like the feeling of being on the edge a bit.
b) Calculated risks are acceptable at times.
c) I like the tried and true.

3. Are you a leader?

a) I usually get people to go along when I initiate something.
b) I can give the orders if I have to.
c) I let someone else get things moving, then I take part if I feel like it.

4. Do you like to assume responsibility?

a) Yes, I enjoy taking charge of things and seeing them
through.
b) I'll take over if I have to, but would rather let someone else be responsible.
c) There's always some eager beaver around wanting to show how smart he is.
I say let him.

5. How organized are you?

a) I like to have a plan before I start.
b) Being well organized isn't my strongest suit, but I can do it when necessary.
c) I just like to take things as they come.

6. How hard do you work while at work?

a) I can stay motivated as long as I need to.
b) I'll work hard for a while, but when I've had enough, that's it.
c) I think many other things are more important than work.

7. Are you decisive?

a) I can make up my mind in a hurry if I have to.
b) If I have to make up my mind quickly, I do, but I don't like it.
c) I don't like to be the one to decide things.

8. Can you live with uncertainty?

a) Yes.
b) If I have to, but I don't like it.
c) No, I like knowing what to expect.

9. Can you stick with it?

a) If I make up my mind to do something, I don't let anything
get in the way.
b) Usually.
c) If things don't go right immediately, I may just quit.

10. How good is your health?

a) I never run down!
b) I have enough energy for most of the things I want to do.
c) I run out of energy sooner than most of my friends.

11. Are you competitive?

a) You bet.
b) When I need to be, I can be.
c) Not really, my nature is more laid-back.

12. Do you have a lot of willpower and self-discipline?

a) Yes.
b) I am disciplined when I need to be.
c) Not really, self-discipline is for losers.

13. Do you plan ahead?

a) Failure to plan is planning to fail in my book.
b) Planning is important, but so is spontaneity.
c) I take one day at a time and let life take me where it will.

14. Are you creative?

a) Yes I am. I am always thinking up new ideas.
b) I have an occasional brainstorm.
c) No, not really.

15. Can you live without structure?

a) Yes.
b) Actually, the idea of living without a regular job or paycheck makes me nervous.
c) No, I like routine and structure in my life.

Total the number of checks you have next to the first,
second and third answers. If more than half of your checks are beside the first
answer, you have the personality needed to run your own small business. If most
of your answers fall into the (b) category, you're likely to encounter more
trouble than you may want. If many of your checks are beside the third answer,
you should think twice before starting your own small business.

Today's Tip: Don't underestimate the importance
of competitiveness when starting your own business. Capitalism is a very unforgiving
economic system. If you are not very competitive by nature, be careful about
starting your own business. You have to be willing to do better than the other
guys, even if it hurts them.